Vaccine clinics will be set up for people at risk for the monkeypox virus, Toronto Public Health has announced.
Clinics will begin Sunday, marking the start of a series of community vaccination centers, public health said. The clinics have been organized with the help of the Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance and other community partners.
Vaccines will be given to people who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the smallpox virus and people who are at higher risk for exposure.
“A clinic on Sunday, June 12 will vaccinate Toronto bathroom employees,” Toronto Public Health said.
Read more: Monkeypox in Canada: 112 infections reported as global cases of 1,000
To date, there are 11 confirmed cases of Monkeypox in Toronto. Nationwide, there are at least 112 cases in Canada and all those infected are men.
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According to Toronto Public Health, the virus spreads through contact with body fluids, including contaminated clothing or bedding. It can also be spread through respiratory drops after “prolonged” face-to-face contact and by animal bites and scratches.
“Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, can infect the monkey’s smallpox by contact with body fluids, smallpox wounds, or sharing contaminated items,” Toronto Public Health said. “However, during this outbreak, in several countries, gays, bisexuals and men who have sex with men have been affected.”
Read more: Monkeypox: Recommended vaccine for Canadians at high risk of exposure
On Friday, the National Immunization Advisory Committee (NACI) released its interim guidance on monkeypox vaccination. One vaccine, Imvamne, was approved by Health Canada in 2020 and can be used against diseases such as smallpox and smallpox.
“Thanks to the Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance and all the partners in our community who are helping to inform and encourage people to take care of their health through vaccination to prevent the monkey’s smallpox.” Dr. Eileen de Villa, a Toronto medical officer, said in a statement.
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